We provide activities and support for all mothers and their partners that are experiencing mild to moderate PND and/or Anxiety. This includes both one-to-one support, and groups for women and men along with advice, information, advocacy and other activities from time to time.
Women
We have a variety of support available;
– Firstly, we have wonderful Support Workers that can visit you in your home and allow you to talk about your difficulties and provide both emotional and practical support for your PND and/or Anxiety. This is a free service and you can have up to 10 sessions (although this can be extended when needed)
– We also provide referrals to low-cost counselling. These are fully trained, experienced and qualified Counsellors who specialise in this field. Cost: $30 per session (if financial hardship is an issue for you, we may be able to cover this expense for you – just speak to us about it)
– Throughout the year Postnatal Support Network also organise and run support groups for women with PND and/or Anxiety. This provides an excellent opportunity to meet and share with others that have had similar experiences. We provide a safe and confidential environment for these groups and they are facilitated by trained and experienced Counsellors. Free child-care provided.
Men
PND and/or Anxiety affects men too! Having a baby can be a difficult transition time for all involved. A period of distress within a family is very common following childbirth and this can be difficult for both mothers and fathers. As with women, it’s important that undue stress in fathers is recognised and supported/treated early and effectively.
We offer support to partners/husbands such as information, advice, referrals to appropriate counselling and on occasion the network organises groups for partners of PND sufferers. These workshops provide an opportunity to learn more about PND and provide practical tools in order to help support your partner. It is also an opportunity to talk about things you can do to keep yourself well supported and engaged with your partner and the rest of your family/whanau. To find out more or when the next group is being held contact us.
Activities
‘Good Grief I’m a Mum’ is a free, confidential and supportive group. The six sessions explores some of the myths of being a mum, provides information around PND, looks into relationships and communication and gives the opportunity to develop more skills to move on positively in life and motherhood.
We now also run a monthly “Kotahitanga” coffee group, which is an opportunity to meet, connect and share with other mums and talk about some of the struggles and difficulties you are facing.
We also provide the opportunity (in conjunction with Sport Tasman) to get out and about with your babies, by running a weekly “Buggy Walk”.
For more information on these activities, please contact us.
Other Services
We provide information and education to our community. Please feel free to contact us if you would like someone to come and speak to you or your community/parents group about PND and/or Anxiety, or the services we provide.
Our office is located in Hardy Street (Central Nelson) and you are welcome to pop in during office hours (Monday- Wednesday 9am – 4pm) for a chat, information and/or advice. We also have an extensive lending library and resources to help… just don’t be afraid to ask.
If you have not already done so it is important that you contact your GP or nurse and let them know how you are feeling. Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding any concerns that arise from this site, or if we can provide you with any more information.
